Matthew 18:5-7 Are you a true Christian?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Okay, I may step on your toes here, and if I do, my prayer is that you get right with God. Here goes.

Matthew 18:5-7 "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me, But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence commeth."

The "little child" represents a new convert or yong believer. To 'receive' such a fellow believer is to welcome Christ Himself. Therefore, the basis of true Christian fellowship is established in Christ Himself. There can be no real fellowship with those who deny Him and have not been converted, but with any true believer fellowship may exist. This does not overlook the discipline of an errant believer.

Offenses are viewed as a reality which must be accepted in the present world, but "WOE" (the prophetic condemnation to death) to the one who is the source of the offense. The millstone is literally the large grinding stone turned by a donkey.

We want to be "PC" politically correct; not offend anyone; make everyone happy in the church; and be loved by all. Bull-larky! It is not our job to do the above. We are called by Jesus, God, Holy Spirit to go forth, spread the word and win souls to Christ and the Kingdom.

Jesus became angry in the temple. Why? They turned the temple into a place of capital gain, a place of sin, not of worship. Jesus did not please the "people of the temple." He became angry (at sin), turned the money changers tables over and ran them out.

Do you get mad at sin? Why not? It is polluting your life!! A little poison in your drink and your food daily. Just a little bit slowly kills you. Are you dead in Christ or ALIVE? Get off your complacent backside and STAND UP FOR CHRIST! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ephesians 4:23-24 & Psalm 100 New Attitude

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

This week we have talked about ponder or meditate, seeking God constantly, and be persecuted for Christ. Today, let's bring this together and talk about a new attitude and new nature.

Ephesians 4:23-24 "Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy."

Our old way of life before we believed in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. When we decide to accept Christ's gift of salvation, it is both a one time decision, as well as a daily conscious commitment. We are no longer to be driven by our desires and impulses. We must put on the new nature, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives us.

Righteous and holiness - righteousness refers to our new conduct toward our fellowmen; Holiness refers to our new conduct toward God. These two are the essential qualities and the evidence of us, the new man in Christ.

Psalm 100:1-5 "Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."


Do you wreak of the old, musty, worn out man? Are you the new, positive, great attitude, Christ is living in me man? The choice is yours; which one will you feed?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Thessalonians 1:5 Are you suffering for Christ?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

Today, practice I AM NOT B(eing) U(nder) S(atans) Y(oke)! You are not B U S Y!

2 Thessalonians 1:5 "And God will use this persecution to show his justice and tomake you worthy of his Kingdom,for which you are suffering."

As we live for Christ, we will experience troubles because we are trying to be God's people in a perverse world. Some people say that troubles are the result of sin or lack of faith, but Paul teaches that they may be a part of God's plan for believers.

Our problems can help us look upward and forward, instead of inward, they can build strong character and they can provide us with opportunities to comfort others who also are struggling.

Your troubles may be an indication that you are taking a stand for Christ. When you do so, you are experiencing the privilege of showing that you are worthy of God's Kingdom.

2 Thessalonians1:11 "So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do."

How strong is your faith? If you were in a foreign land, your physical life depended on your response when asked do you believe in God; facing a gun, could you say, "Yes, I believe in Jesus," and take death for your belief? Tough choice, tough question, tough answer. I have not been persecuted this way, but pray I would answer, "JESUS IS MY SAVIOR; I BELIEVE IN GOD!"

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 Seeking God constantly

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

When you get thristy, what do you do? You go get a drink. Does one drink sustain you all day, all your life? Why no! Then why should we think one drink of God is enough.

Jesus said he was the living water. So, do we get him once, then go on about our business? No, we should return frequently, yearning for another drink.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 "Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night; remember all the wonders he performed."

Because the strength and certainty we receive from God yesterday or this morning was only enough for a little while does not mean you are weak. The need to keep going back is actually evidence that your relationship with God is healthy.

God structured his encouragement this way because he wants you to return to him. He desires for you to speak with him often and continually draw from his grace. Go to him now, study him, seek his goodness, and remember his power.

Sustain your faith, strength, and certainty by staying in the presence of God.

Psalm 68:19 "Praise the LORD, God our Savior, who helps us every day." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 1:1-6 To ponder- the 8th P

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Well, the 8th of the P's. Privacy, Prioritize, Prayer, Purity, Practice, Partnership, Praise and now Pondering (meditate).

Remember when reading this life offers two roads; one, the life of the faithful person and, two, the life of the faithless person.

Psalm 1:1-6 "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. (2)But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. (3) They are like trees planted along the riverbank bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (4) But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. (5) They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. (6) For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."

The secret of true happiness if found only in God and His Word. The first psalm provides a basis for all the psalms that follow. It compares the happiness found in the LORD with the sadness of those who do not know Him.

We should delight in the law of the LORD. Verse 1 tells us 3 things we should not do. Look at them again. Verse 2 tells us what we should do. Then verse 3 tells us what will happen when we follow the Word. Verse 4 & 5 tells us about the sinners. Then verse 6 shows us the two paths we can follow - godly or wicked.

So, what should you do. Simple, we should mediate on the Word. To mediate means to discuss or ponder. This leads to life everlasting, whereas; destruction is the result of the wicked or evil living.

Two men, two ways, two destinies. One leads to life and blessedness; the other, without God and His Word is a dead-end street, leading to death. The choice is yours. Also, the choice is yours to share the good news with others. What are you going to do? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Deuteronomy 8:10-20 Self made or God made?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We are going to finish the Deuteronomy 8:10-20 today; think about the words given to us and their meaning. Don't read words to finish; read words to know the meaning.

Deuteronomy 8:10 KJV "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you."

Do not forget God when your needs and wants are satisfied. Let your table prayers serve as a constant reminder of the LORD's goodness to you and your duty to those who are less fortunate.


v 11 "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandment, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today,"

Because you have a lot, don't turn away or forget the LORD your God and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees. AND, you cannot pick and choose what to obey.

vs 12-18 "Lest-when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; (13)And when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; (14)When your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; (15)Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; (16)Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end- (17)Then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' (18) And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that HE may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

Wow! Verses 12-13 you have prospered and done well. Why? G O D ! Aught Oh! 14-17 This is when "I" comes to the forefront. We forget who brought us this far, who leads us through the troubles and evils of the time, who provides us food and drink and suddenly v 17 "I" did this by my hand. Ever hear this? I am a self made man and didn't get help from anyone. Oh, prepare for the fall!
V 18 reminds us to remember the LORD your God. It is HE who gives us all we have.

vs 19 "Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish."

Pretty plain and simple. Follow your other gods and you will die or be destroyed. But, I don't have any other gods. Go look in the mirror. It may be your looks, car, house, money, clothes, be careful and keep God #1 ALWAYS!!

V 20 "As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your GOD."

Does this ring true to you? If God can destroy nations, don't you think He can destroy you? And look at our nation.....more and more news that turns away from God. This is true from the whitehouse to your front door. So, what are you going to do about it? Play ostrich, put your head in a hole, or become obedient to the LORD your God? The choice is yours.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Deuteronomy 8:1 Praise, aka Attitude

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We have talked about 6 P's, today the seventh - PRAISE (attitude) Deut. 8:1;10-20
Privacy, Prioritise, Prayer, Purity, Practice, Partnership, and now PRAISE!


Deuteronomy 8:1 "Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will live and multiply and you will enter and occupy the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors."

This verse tells us to obey God's commandments. We do this obeying God with: our Heart, our Will, our Mind, our Body, our Finances, and our Future.

Let's break this down:
HEART - by loving him more than any relationship, activity, achievement or possession.
WILL - By committing ourselves completely to him.
MIND - By seeking to know him and his Word, so his principles and values form the foundation of all we think and do.
BODY - By recognizing that our strengths, talents, and sexuality are given to us by God to be used for pleasure and fulfillment according to his rules, not ours.
FINANCES - By deciding that all of the resources we have ultimately come from God, and that we are to be managers of them and not owners.
FUTURE - By deciding to make service to God and man the main purpose of our life's work.

So, we put God first, committing completely, seek His word to help us grow, discern our talents and use them for God's glory, realizing that all given to us is God's for our governance and do God's work for the glory of heaven. Could we boil this all down into a single word? ATTITUDE! If we have an attitude for God, then all of this should fall into place.

Do you have ATTITUDE FOR GOD, or just Attitude? Today, let God be your ALL! Love you all. Tomorrow the rest, Deuteronomy 8:10-20.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Partnership

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hat righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16)And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God and they shall be my people."

Paul urges believers to not "team up," or form partnerships with unbelievers because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards. It would be a mismatch. Paul does not mean isolating oneself from unbelievers, He urges Christians to stay with unbelieving spouses. Yet remembering this is like light and darkness.

Paul wants believers to be active in their witness for Christ to unbelievers but not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that could cause them to compromise their faith. Believers should do everything in their power to avoid situations that could force them to divide their loyalties.

Belial means worthlessness, wickedness, or wicked one. Here it refers to satan. Infidel is the term used meaning unbeliever.

Paul asserted that the church is the temple of the living God. Corinth had many temples of pagan deities, so his letter was able to visualize the contrast the apostle intended to the people.

THOSE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST ARE NOT KNOWN BY A BUILDING; THEY ARE KNOW AS THOSE IN WHOM THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVES.

God is always with us, not waiting for us to walk into a stained glass building. How is your behavior daily as compared to when you are at church? You are in a partnership with God! How is your half of the partnership? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes."
The Hebrews were extremely successful at making religion an integral part of life. The reason for their success was, and scribe this to your mind, remember this:
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WAS LIFE-ORIENTED, NOT INFORMATION-ORIENTED. They used the context of daily life to teach about God.

The key to teaching your children to love God is stated simply and clearly in these verses. If you want your children to follow God, you must make God a part of your everyday experiences. You must teach your children diligently to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.

The orthodox Jews would write verses on parchment and place them in little boxes, bind with strips of leather to their foreheads and their hands. They would nail them near the doorways of their homes. The intent of this passage is that the Word of God should be in a person's heart and constantly be a source of devotion and obedience to the LORD. Also, the main idea is to teach our children the Word of God.

How devoted are you? Sundays only? The world, the workplace, the shopping centers, the community you live in should be considered your missionary field. How hard are you working it for the LORD? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Practice - Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

I have to remember the latter many times over. When people have sickness, we don't know what it is, and we want them to be better, it is easy to slip back and be stressed. We just have to remember to GIVE IT TO GOD!

Of the 8 P's we have covered: Privacy, Prioritise, Prayer, Purity, and today PRACTICE!

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Life App "These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD you God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors promised you.
v4 Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

This is long and we will do it in 2 days. Moses tells Israel to obey the statutes and judgment of the LORD for 4 reasons; 1)by heeding the law, Israel would live; 2)keeping the Law warded off God's displeasure; 3) Israel would be respected as a wise people by other nations by obeying God's laws; 4) the Law of God was unique for its high spiritual quality. Moses was wanting the people to yearn for the beautiful land and avoid the mistakes he had made.

v4-5 These verses are called the "Shema" ofter the word Hear (Heb shema'). The word one (Heb 'echad), means compound unity - Trinity. The phrase 'one LORD' means God has one name and we are to be monotheism - or belief in only one God.

Love is the motive behind man's relationship to God. The heart is mentioned first because it is the seat of the intellect, emotion, and will. Christ calls this the first and great commandment (Mt. 22:38) and uses it to summarize the first four commandments. God has no higher commandment than love. See you tomorrow. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

2 Corinthians 7:1 Purity - are you?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
This is the 4th of the P's: Privacy, Prioritise, Prayer, and now PURITY!

How do we cleanse our selves? This is a twofold action: turning away from sin and turning toward God. The Corinthians were to have nothing to do with paganism; as we should have nothing to do with evil, or the swaying of society. The breakdown of our societies moral attitude slowly and quietly pulls us into the clutches of the dark side.

We are to perfect holiness. Oh, only God is holy so I cannot achieve this. Wrong, buck-o! Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to God. We are set aside for His (God's) special use and set apart from sin and its influence.

God's qualities in our lives make us different. Our focus and priorities must be His. We are to be different, not blending in with the crowd and we should turn from our old ways. God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us obey and give us the power to overcome sin.

Where are you today? Dedicated to God? Dedicated to the world? Telling "shady" jokes or enjoying clean, funny humor? Using slang, i.e. "frican" in stead of...you know. Is this okay? If I made you brownies with just a touch of manure in it...would you eat it? The same with your actions and language. To God be the glory. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Luke 6:12;9:28-29; 11:1 Prayer,-how to by Christ!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Okay, the 8 P's and today is the third. Privacy, Prioritize, and now Prayer.

Luke 6:12 "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

How important is prayer? Much prayer is needed before important decisions are made. Jesus was preparing to choose his inner circle, his 12 apostles. Jesus always went off by himself to pray when any major decision was made.

Luke 9:28-29 "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering."

Of the twelve disciples, Peter, John and James were the inner circle. Notice v. 29, what changed? Christ's clothing and complexion were surround and filled with a magnificent glory. What was this? He had been in the presence of God. His face, His garments all shown brightly. Have you been in the presence of God, or is God just a "figure of speech" we talk to when trouble occur?

Luke 11:1 "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

Jesus set the example of prayer. The disciples could see this, they saw He had been in the presence of God, and Jesus went by himself to a place of solitude to pray. When you pray are you by yourself? In the presence of God? Does your face and garments show God is present and lives in you? Points to ponder. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Luke 4:42 What are your priorities?

Good morning everyone!God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Okay, the 8 P's. Yesterday was Privacy; today is PRIORITIZE! Prioritize? Just what do you mean? Okay listen, uh, read this.

Luke 4:42 KJV "Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them."

Now what is this telling us? Jesus went early by himself and for the purpose of praying. Even as busy as He was in ministry, he knew the necessity of a time alone with the Father at the beginning of each day.

Jesus had to get up early to be alone. This was a priority in Jesus' life; to seek the Father for refreshment and fulfillment. If Jesus needed this, how much more do you think we need this?

We should not become so BUSY that life is nothing but activity leaving us no room for quiet fellowship alone with God. No matter how much you do, you should always have time to pray. Christianity IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT!

When we are "busy" think of this:
B(eing)
U(nder)
S(atans)
Y(oke)

Are you BUSY (being under satans yoke) or can you prioritize, get up a few minutes earlier in the morning, go to a quiet place and pray. CAN YOU DO IT? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mark 1:35 How did Jesus pray?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

The next 8 days I will share with you the 8 P's in living for God. Today, the first P is PRIVACY.

What do you mean privacy? Let's look at Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed."

Who did? JESUS What did he do? He got up early and went to a quiet place. And then what? He prayed!

Let's look at this. Jesus got up early, could this be so there would be no distractions or interference? We need to be aware of how Jesus prayed. We may get so caught up in our "church" activities that we forget to have time alone with God.

Quiet, individual time in worship and prayer is essential to your spiritual health.
Did you know, Christianity is not a spectator sport? It is not your job or right to go Sunday, watch the worship service, listen to the preacher, then go home and critique or talk about it all week. That is football, baseball, basketball, etc.

Start your day, alone, in a quiet place, talking to God. Sharing your information. Remember, you have TIME, but what you have may be a TIME MANAGEMENT problem. If you wanted to play golf, go to a movie, go showing, or whatever YOU WOULD FIND TIME.

BE QUIET - SOLITARY PLACE - PRAYER - TALK TO GOD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Corinthians 7:1 Mature & complete Christians

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

2 CORINTHIANS 7:1 KJV "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

The promises of God demand a purity of heart and life on the part of those who receive them. Cleansing is a twofold action: turning away from sin, and turning toward God.

The Corinthians were to have nothing to do with paganism. They were to make a clean break with their past and give themselves to God alone.

Perfecting holiness means becoming mature or complete. Paul wasn't suggesting that the Corinthians could become sinless in this life. Instead, he was prodding them to work at maturing in their faith. God had provided them with all the resources they needed, and Christ's Spirit would empower them to become Christlike.

Where are you today? Partaking of the created or communing with the creator? There is a choice, I just pray you make the right ones as I ask you to pray I make the right ones. Let our prayer be that we all become mature and complete in Christ. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:14-15 Maintain good works and be fruitful

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Titus 3:14-15 "And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."

Learn to maintain good works - The Cretan Christians are not only to conduct themselves properly, but are to engage only in honorable occupations and to make themselves practically useful to all the other believers.

The practical side of Christianity is brought into focus. The words "for necessry uses" can be understood either as necessitous cases or as wants. The more probable interpretation is the former, as RSV "so as to help cases of urgent need."

All who engage in such works of mercy need never fear that they will be unfruitful. (Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, p. 210).

Grace be with you all. Amen. This is Paul's final benediction as he has completed another letter to another son in the faith, Titus.

Thank you for reading and studying Titus with me. I pray you gained as much and grew in your spiritual faith as did I. If you have suggestions for another study please let me know. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:12-13 Preparing to winter

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Well, Paul finished his peaching on obedience and our relationship to heretics and is now concluding.

KJV Titus 3:12-13 "When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (13) Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them."

Well, Artemas or Tychicus were to replace Titus on the island of Crete. Artemas is unknown to us, but Tychicus is well known in Pauline literature being the bearer from Rome to Asia Minor of the epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, and to Philemon.

Also, Tychicus was to be sent by Paul to relieve Timothy in Ephesus. He was the trusted companion of Paul. The city of Nicopolis was on the western coast of Greece. Artemas or Tychicus would take over Titus's work on the island of Crete so Titus could meet Paul in Nicopolis. Titus would have to leave soon because sea travel was dangerous in the winter months.

Apollos was a famous Christian preacher. A native of Alexandria in North Africa. He became a Christian in Ephesus and was trained by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Paul is concluding his letter as will we tomorrow with verses 14 & 15. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:11 Twisted and Condemned

Good morning everyone! God IS GOOD all the time, ALL THE TIME God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

What are you going to do for the kingdom of the LORD today? Yesterday we talked about a divisive man; today verse 11, a condemned man.

Titus 3:11 KJV "Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned."

Life app "For people like that have turned away from the truth and their own sins condemn them."

Paul says that a person that is self-condemned is sinning and knows it. Warped or subverted - Greek ektrepo means twisted. A medical term showing something is wrong and out of place.

Self-condemned Greek autokatakritos - this means that by his/her own contentions, the subverted one condemns himself and shows whose camp he is in.

Think about these 2 words - twisted & condemned. They not it, you know it, and what are we going to do?

Adrian Rogers gave a quote to this effect. It is better to be cruel now and kind later on than kind now and cruel later on.

He is talking about salvation. It is better to tell people the truth of salvation, even if they don't like it now and lead them to eternity in heaven, than to be kind now, the feel good preaching, and then cruel (hell) later on.

If you saw someone in the path of an oncoming car and tried to pull them clear then you shared "salvation", if you will. But if that person fights you, resists you, and then is hit by the car (condemned), then you did what you needed to do. You tried to offer the path of salvation.

But if you just watch them get hit and do nothing; who is at fault? As people walk around you today, will you reach out your hand and snare them from the oncoming car or just let them walk into it? The choice is yours; make the right one. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:10 Heretick or nere' a tick

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

False teachers.....did you examine and look to see if you do, indeed, follow some false teachers? So what is a person to do?

KJV Titus 3:10 "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;"

Life App Titus 3:10 "If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them."

Heretick - Greek hairetikos - means to choose, prefer, or take for oneself. It has the idea of choosing to believe what one wants, in spite of what God says.

A person must be warned when he or she is causing division that threatens the unity of the church. This should not be a heavy handed action but a warning to correct the individual's divisive nature and restore him or her to fellowship. A person who refuses to be corrected should be put outside the fellowship.

The word of God must be the final authority for what we believe. Those who accept so called "further revelations" which are contrary to the Word of God are heretics and should be rejected.

Where do you stand right now, today? In the Word of God or outside the Word of God? We have choices, it is simple, eternal damnation or eternal life with Christ. You choose. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:9 False teachers? False teachers!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We are warned about false teachers, about waivering principles, about compromise and "watered down scripture."

Titus 3:9 "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." KJV

Life App. Bible "Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time."

Paul lists things that distract attention from the truth. These shold be avoided, as should also those individuals who, having been admonished by the church, still perversely cling to them.

WE SERVE THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATED! But how often do we turn this around. We end up serving the created, not the creator. We serve the created! Think about this. We work for: house, car, clothes, status, spouses position, childrens position, money, and on and on.

Paul says beware of the false teachers. Yes, you should feel good about yourself, you can do all things, but finish this, through Christ who strengthens me. Sometimes the Joel or Oprah theme is it is all in you, you can do it.

False doctrines rush through the religious community. Paul tells us not to be involved in foolish arguments. Virgin birth- yes or no. Resurrection - yes or no.
Jesus - a teacher or God in the flesh. Creation - God or big bang. These are all deversives to take away from what we should be doing.

We can still study, discuss, and examine different interpretations of difficult Bible passages. Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussion that leads to wisdom. If foolish arguments develop, it is best to turn the discussion back to a helpful direction or politely excuse yourself.

We shold avoid false teachers, not even bothering to get involved in their foolish discussions. Overreaction sometimes gives more attention to their points of view. The best deterrent is prayer. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:8 Are your works of Christ? Or for you?

Good morning everyone! A wonderfu day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Happy Oct. 1st. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

Titus 3:8 KJV "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

Paul stressed that believers must devote themselves to doing good. Paul understood good works as faithful service, acts of charity, and involvement in civil affairs. While good works can't save us or even increase God's love for us, they are true indications of our faith and love for Christ.

Paul did not make this aspect of discipleship optional. Service to others is a requirement. Everyone who is a Christian should be involved.

Does your church encourage everyone's involvement and service? What can your church do to help every member identify the good works he or she should be doing?

How are you involved? Sunday morning for 1-2 hours? Or working on committees, volunteering services, assisting when possible? Your Christian life should be taken more seriously than your job. The Christian retirement plan is out of this world.
Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny